PBSC student researchers earn publication in Psi Beta Research Journal

After nearly two years of work, five current and former Palm Beach State College students had their research published in a peer-reviewed journal last month. 

The article, titled “Intellectual humility and extremes of moral judgment: An examination of the mediating role of need for closure,” was published in Psi Beta Research Journal, a national, independent, peer-reviewed student research journal. The research was conducted by Alyson Almeida, Sophia Sonkin, Surina Prem, Mario Poerio and Elizsandra Silva.

Ted Cascio, Ph.D., PBSC psychology professor and Psi Beta chapter advisor, recruited the students for the project. The research project focused on intellectual humility, a personality trait that involves recognizing that one’s beliefs may be incorrect. The team set out to determine whether intellectual humility predicts the degree to which people’s attitudes toward morality are polarized.

The researchers surveyed participants to measure their levels of intellectual humility and then presented them with a moral scenario. Participants responded with their attitudes and their perceptions about how moral the actor was in the scenario and the actions in that scenario. They found that participants who were high in intellectual humility had less polarized moral attitudes.

“The research that exists has looked at political attitudes and so what this study contributes is that it extends that research into the moral domain,” Cascio said. “We like to think of intellectual humility as an antidote to some of the polarization we see in our society.”

Throughout the process, the student researchers gained valuable skills, including how to interpret research, write in APA style and present their findings. In February 2024, they had the opportunity to showcase their research at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of North Florida. As psychology becomes a more research-oriented discipline, these experiences and skills will be essential for students’ success in the field.

“Oftentimes students at two-year institutions do not get these types of opportunities, which is why I do this. It’s really to give the students this experience that they wouldn’t normally have,” Cascio said. “Having done a conference presentation and publishing research will give these students a huge advantage when applying to graduate programs.”

Sophia Sonkin, the article’s second author, credits the research with helping her develop a stronger foundation for upper-division classes and giving her the confidence to join other research projects. Sonkin graduated from PBSC with an Associate in Arts degree in spring 2024 and transferred to the University of Florida where she is majoring in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience.

“Being published is incredibly rewarding. It validates the hard work and collaboration of the team,” Sonkin said. “It is incredibly fulfilling to contribute to a growing body of knowledge, and it inspires me to remain curious and fuels my commitment to my academic pursuits.”